God's children!

It has been a while since I penned some thoughts.

10th October, was special not just because it was Akhil's birthday, but it got Nithya and me to be very touched and moved by his friends.

We got a call a couple of days before the 10th, to be invited to be part of an evening that his friends had planned for. They were keen to get dinner for  kids at a blind school in Akhil's memory!

This was most touching and almost had me struggle to control my emotions. Young folks, with such values, to care for a friend who was no longer there.The same kids, who a few years ago had gate crashed home early morning, on a 10th with a cake for him.

I admire these friends who seem to ready to teach many an adult on caring and respect.
Not just for a friend they loved and was not around, but even to us, his parents for whom they felt they needed to be around with, on that day.

Salutes to them and their parents, for bringing up such gems.
Truly, God's children! May God be with them!

This one's for you Akhil!

Yesterday, was truly humbling to receive the Namma Bengaluru Award as the "citizen of the year." Humbling, because I feel there is far better work that other  nominees have done.Also, humbling is that we are barely  2 years old as Beyond Carlton and to believe we are in someway touching the Banglorean is inspiring! This award is based on nominations and votes by Bangalore citizens and that makes it truly special.

This award is to all members of the Beyond Carlton group and those who have steadfastly supported us.
I continue to believe this is a long journey and such awards should drive us to do more. Awards for work done towards society, in my mind, should only be used as reality checks and not the reason-why, we are on this road.

Beyond Carlton,born out of a tragedy and we having translated our anger, grief and loss into working to make our city better is most rewarding. The pleasure in making a change for others is divine!
My close friends talk about my missionary zeal and dogged singular drive as maniacal at times, but I believe someone needs to keep hammering away!

Two years ago, I never ever thought I would even look at working on making an impact on our city, even in a small way.
Akhil is the reason why!
This award goes to him for making me the reason I am here and being the inspiration to give back.
This one's for you buddy!!!

It is that time again!

As we get close to the 23rd Feb., I can sense that we are on the edge!
Irritable,anxious,down...
The mind is restless,flashes of two years ago, seem to whiz by.

We are planning a quiet day, on the 20th (Akhil's anniversary as per the Hindu calendar) with a prayer and on the 23rd we will also be continuing the effort with Beyond Carlton and of course, will miss him terribly.

I haven't been writing for a while and that has to do with a new professional engagement, that has me more occupied!Possibly good, that I am distracted!

Such is life, a roller coaster and that I guess, is  the circus of life...!

On your 25th birthday...

An interesting take on how we live our lives today!Live every moment!

You may find this presentation worth viewing!

Values

View more presentations from uvijayan.

An Ode to my Dad and Akhil

Here is something I spotted that I thought was very apt:

"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die."
---Mary Elizabeth Frye.

Remembering Dad!

It is now a week since my Dad left us. From what seemed like a fairly harmless trip out to a nursing home, it took its toll on him a week later.
My Dad was special, as I guess all Dad's are.
He was a quiet achiever in his own way! I think he led a full life and gave us a great foothold in this world. He was self made, not in the sense of building a business empire, but in educating himself and building his career.He studied at some of the best institutes(like the IISc), that the country offered in the 40's.He was one of the few who got a government scholarship and took a ship to go and do his masters in the US.He told us stories of this sea voyage in a US army ship at the end of World War 2.Some of it charming and would seem almost like a fable to any kid today.
They say a man is known in his death and the number of his colleagues from the army and friends who have come by to meet us, all remember him as a 'true gentleman','a great teacher' and importantly 'a lovely human being'.
He was a great father to me and my sister,never ever raising his voice at us, but I think bringing up both of us,as fairly decent kids. He gave us a great education,at times maybe even sacrificing his savings to put us through some pretty good schools and colleges.
I think his greatest contribution to us was to build in us, the values of life which we still try and follow and others seemingly admire.
He spent the last 20years with me and we had grown very fond of each other. I learnt as he aged, that much like he held my hand and took me places when I was a child,now it was my turn to do the same, for him.
He loved watching a cricket match with me,having the occasional beer together, but I think being with me.
One more event for me,in this circus of life!
I miss you Dad, you were the true officer and gentleman!